It was my distinct pleasure to teach a new class this past February and March 2018 at the St. Louis Artists’ Guild, Evening Portrait Drawing.

Beginning with learning the generalized proportions of the human head, we then moved on to observing and depicting the various planes and angles of the face, and how each surface reflects light differently. We discussed the concepts of chiaroscuro and tenebrism, the differences between core and cast shadow, and how to effectively use simultaneous contrast to add drama and make the drawing pop. The students experienced various methods of drawing – building the drawing up from the base tone of the newsprint, toning the paper with charcoal and employing subtractive erasing marks to define highlights and planes within the drawing, and beginning with brown kraft (butcher) paper as the drawing surface. When working with kraft paper, students experienced how a warm-hued surface changes the level of tone applied and the media and mark-making choices, such as when an artist might use white or black conté, compressed charcoal, or vine charcoal, and how that differs from toning the paper with charcoal directly.

We also explored several types of lighting composition – high key, middle key, low key, and full key chiaroscuro – and discussed how an artist can use light as an additional tool for conveying atmosphere and meaning within a drawing. I was very pleased with their progress from the beginning to the end of the eight week session, and really enjoyed seeing everyone’s individual drawing techniques and mark-making develop with each new exercise.

Below are images of student drawings which we did at the beginning of the first class, before instruction began.

At the beginning of class, I’m always running around too much to remember to photograph, but here are some photos from the last three classes of the session:

Additionally, my class and I were invited to display our drawings in the entrance hallway gallery during the Clearly Human III exhibition, which ran from April 13 to May 26, 2018. I’m very proud of my students and all their hard work!

Display Clearly Human III at the St. Louis Artists’ Guild, SP18 Portrait Drawing class exercises; 2 drawings on the left by Lloyd Jones; drawing on the right by Carol Fichtelman

I have recently posted all of my work so far from my current ‘Folklore’ series under the “Current Work – Folktale Series (2013-2017)” section on the lefthand side of the home page, and under the “2010-2013 Paintings” subpage, found under “Previous Work” from the home page. I still have images to post to the 2010-2013 section from the “Tapestry Series”, which was my first series of encaustic paintings, so check back soon! More to come under “Previous Work” for prior years.

The first few drawings of teacups are from the first class, before instruction began, then pictures of a few of the classes, and finally, the drawings from the final project of the last class. So proud of everyone’s progress!

I will be teaching Evening Basic Drawing again this summer on Thursday nights from 6-8:30 pm beginning in 2 weeks on June 8. The class is 8 weeks long and runs through July 27. If you are interested in joining, sign up today! The deadline to register is Wednesday, June 7. There are still seats available & I’d love to see you!

These pieces are currently on view through March 11 at Fountain View Manor Memory Care in Granite City, IL in an group art exhibition with 5 other artists. If you’re in the area tonight (Friday, 2/19) between 6-8 pm, I’d love to see you at the Artist’s Reception!
A big thank you to Mary Duban, Executive Director (and Fontbonne alumn) for inviting me to participate in the show!http://www.fountainviewmemorycare.com/

The demo will be at the Fontbonne University grad studios (1300 Strassner Blvd., 63144 – parking details on event page) in the central atrium space. It would be great to see you, if you can make it! Don’t forget to RSVP so we know how many folks are coming!